CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay with Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Representative Claudia Tenney.
Photo: tibet.net
A two-member US Congressional delegation comprising Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Representative Claudia Tenney paid a three-day visit to Dharamshala from April 4 – 6.
On the first day they visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel expressed his gratitude to the people and government of the United States for all the support rendered towards the cause of Tibet. He briefed them on the current situation inside Tibet as well as on the recent budget session of the Tibetan Parliament.
The following day the Kashag(Cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), led by Sikyong (President) Lobsang Sangay,held a welcome reception for the delegates. In his remarks, Dr Sangay expressed his gratitude to the United States government and the Congress for their continued bipartisan support for the Tibet issue.
Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel with US delegation
Photo: tibet.net
Representative Ileana Ros-Lehniten, in her address, said that the US congress understands the issue of Tibet and that it is working side by side with the CTA and other organisations to formulate a US policy in support of the people of Tibet.Speaking about her own family’s experience of living under a communist regime in Cuba, she said, “This experience has made fighting back against oppressive regimes one of my highest priorities”.
She promised to propose a bill in congress to pressurise China to resume dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama for a resolution of the Tibet issue and the release of all political and religious prisoners. She further promised to exert effort for the appointment of a special coordinator for Tibetan issues in the State Department and for the passage of the Reciprocal Access to Tibet bill.
Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen addressing the staff of the Central Tibetan Administration
Photo: tibet.net
Representative Claudia Tenney spoke about the legacy of the Tibetan struggle and urged the younger generation of Tibetans to move forward with pride and dignity to fulfil their destiny of freedom and respect for human rights. She also promised to continue supporting the Tibet issue in the US Congress.
On the third and final day the congressional delegation had an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, followed by visits to local Tibetan organisations.
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